This is probably the nicest gift that I’ve ever received from a friend who is more like family. A cup that says, “i wish you lived next door”.
I was on my computer this morning and noticed that my companion has placed this cup right in front of the monitor. It put a smile on my face pretty much for the rest of the day..
I went back to the ranch windmill again today before sunset. Walked around the windmill several times, I struggled to find a different perspectives. Then for a second I thought I was not alone. It was only my shadow on the metal water tank that hasn’t been functional since years..
Located west of Avenida Casa del Oro, there was this lonely windmill metal stand erected in the middle of the wilderness when we moved here seven years ago. I’ve been wondering if someone would ever fix it one day ever since. And it happened today.
I made my way there late this afternoon and captured more than a dozen images. I was fascinated by it. Enchanted by it almost.. I kept staring at the windmill head, watching the blades spinning patiently, and I lost track of time..
This was a piece of hanging decoration for the Lunar New Year celebration two years ago. I brought it to the U.S., part of the reason was because I couldn’t find a good place for it in Kaohsiung. How pathetic was that..
My sister texted me this evening, telling me that she’s concerned about my brother’s mental condition. She has been communicating with our sister in law behind his back for a while now. Apparently my brother’s marriage is on the verge of divorce. Recently they had a fight on the street and the police was called..
On top of our Mom’s situation, my brother’s future is another grave concern in the family. Another unsolvable problem that’s on everybody’s mind.
It’s a bit ironic when I looked at this hanging decoration. It’s not to say that I made an inauspicious move to bring it overseas. But it for sure is precisely what my Mom and my brother need at the current time..
Note:『福』means “good fortune”, “blessings”, or “happiness.”
This is something I probably will never get tired of.
I’m talking about watching sunset. Whether I’m home or traveling, I look forward to witnessing the sunset at the end of each day..
Today was unexpectedly busy. My companion had his scheduled physical therapy, which visibly has truly improved his condition and posture. After a quick stop at the Java Joe’s on Rodeo Road, in the car on our way home I decided that once we get home I’d go for my regular 5K run which I usually do on Sunday morning.
A cold shower after returning from my run, my companion expressed his desire of having pasta and red wine for dinner. He didn’t think of that I still have my leftover curry in the fridge, but that’s fine by me as it won’t go bad that fast.
While waiting for the pot of water to boil, my eyes landed on these two handmade cloth stars. Immediately I was reminded that I still owed a FaceTime call with the friend who made and gifted them to us. This friend of ours has been going through some tough times recently. He sent me updates with pictures via text messages while I was still in Taiwan, and I’ve promised him that we’d talk soon once I’m back in Santa Fe.
“I’ll contact him first thing in the morning tomorrow.“ I told myself with my eyes staring at the bubbling water.
We went out for a walk this morning. I was having severe jet lag and wasn’t really up for it at first. Since it was my companion who suggested it, I decided to accompany him.
I captured this image while he was taking a brief break. I’ve missed walking with him when I was far away in Taiwan taking care of my Mom. I vowed that I’d never leave his side once I’m back. And I intend to do so.
Our decorative birdhouse has been blown down by the wicked wind in Eldorado. Tumbleweeds are scattered all around the house and it seems no use to collect them just yet.
The house we live in is a rather large one for two people and I know my companion needs help maintaining specially when I’m not around. The past two years I’ve been spending a lot more time in Taiwan taking care of my Mom and the apartment she lives in. During these trips he always assured me that he’d be fine by himself and he could take care of himself and the house. Perhaps it may be true, but I’m well aware that I should be taking care of him as well.
Both my Mother and my companion are certain age now. As the years progress it has become clear and clear that they both need assistance in different ways and degrees in their lives. I’ve felt guilty leaving my companion alone while I was seven-thousand miles away taking care of my Mother. How could I make sure and do a decent job on both sides? The worst could happen would be that I failed both at the end.
It has become a balancing act that I’m trying to maneuver with the best I can..
This image was captured at 5:07 in the morning on my departure day. I wanted to document the empty streets seen from our bedroom window. This was the first image captured due to camera’s inability to auto-focus.
Out of focus, or blurry vision. Just like my Mom’s uncertain future.. I have no solution. None of my siblings have any constructive ideas, either. Everyone seems to hide behind the excuse of having their own life. That’s the reality. That’s the way it is..
